Beware the Hidden Cost of Some Listing Agreements: What Florida Homeowners Need to Know

Hi there,I'm Sandy Cantu from Sandy Buys Houses, your trusted local real estate investor here in Tampa, Florida. Today, I’m walking through a flood-damaged home in South Florida, located in a high-dollar neighborhood with an excellent school district. I’m not sure if this one will work out for me as a buyer — but while I’m here, I felt called to share something important with homeowners who may be considering selling.

⚠️ Did You Know Some Brokers Charge You a Commission Even If They Don’t Sell Your House?

Yes, you read that right.

Some real estate brokerage houses sneak clauses into listing agreements that require you to pay a full commission — even if they never bring you a buyer, never close the deal, and never lift a finger beyond uploading your home to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).

As someone who works with distressed homeowners and those looking for fast, cash offers in Florida, this is something I see all too often. In fact, I'm currently working with a homeowner in South Florida who’s lucky — his contract did not include that sneaky clause. So if he sells his house to a cash buyer like me, he doesn’t owe the agent a dime.

But many others aren’t so lucky.

💸 Here's How It Works (and Why It’s a Problem)

Let’s break it down:

1. You sign a listing agreement with a real estate agent.

2. The agent uploads some photos to the MLS.

3. Weeks go by… and no buyers.

4. You decide to go a different route and accept a direct cash offer from a real estate investor like me.

5. Then — surprise! — your contract says you still owe the agent 6% commission, even though they didn’t bring the buyer.

It’s frustrating. And for many homeowners who are already dealing with stress, repairs, financial hardship, or probate — it feels like a trap.

Even worse, some agents use your listing as a "placeholder" to attract buyers for other properties. You’re doing the work — keeping your home show-ready, managing open houses — and they’re closing deals elsewhere.

🏡 What Sellers in Florida Should Know Before Listing

If you’re thinking of selling your house in Florida — especially in places like Tampa, Carrollwood, Sarasota or Brandon — here’s what you need to do:

✅ Read your listing agreement carefully. Look for clauses that say the agent is entitled to a commission even if you find your own buyer.

✅ Ask questions about cancellation fees or “protection periods.”

✅ Consider a direct sale if you want to avoid the long wait, showings, fees, and commissions.

That’s where I come in. At Sandy Buys Houses, I make fair, fast cash offers on houses in any condition — even flooded homes — and I do it without the middlemen, the MLS, or the hassle.

🎯 Bottom Line

Before you list your home with a traditional real estate agent, make sure you understand exactly what you’re signing. Don’t get stuck paying thousands in commission to someone who didn’t sell your house. And if you’re ready to skip the games and get a real offer today, give me a call.

I’m Sandy Cantu, and I buy houses in Tampa, St Petersburg, Sarasota, South Florida, and beyond — with compassion, transparency, and no surprises.

📞 Ready to talk?

Visit www.SandyBuysHouses.com

Or call/text me directly at 813.690.4979 for a no-pressure, cash offer.